Developing of an solid-state double-layer thermoelectric battery for efficiently powering micro-aerial vehicle

Descrizione del progetto

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I MAV (micro aeroplani) possono servire in diversi settori, dalla sorveglianza al monitoraggio ambientale. Tuttavia la durata limitata della batteria rimane un ostacolo importante. I tradizionali miglioramenti apportati alle batterie e alle celle a combustibile hanno faticato a produrre soluzioni pratiche. Sostenuto dal programma di azioni Marie Skłodowska-Curie, il progetto TEnergy intende sfruttare il calore di scarto e l’energia solare utilizzando materiali termoelettrici. Al centro di questo approccio vi sono le celle termogalvaniche ioniche, che mostrano grandi potenzialità ma richiedono ancora un’ottimizzazione dei materiali. TEnergy sta sviluppando una batteria ibrida termoelettrica a concentrazione in grado di fornire alta tensione in un formato compatto. Il progetto potrebbe contribuire alla creazione di fonti di energia leggere e sostenibili per i MAV e renderne possibile un utilizzo prolungato nel mondo reale.

Obiettivo

Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) represent a multifaceted technology with utility across a broad spectrum of industries. However, their constrained operational time, primarily due to energy limitations, poses a formidable obstacle. Attempts to bolster energy storage capacity through advancements such as batteries and fuel cells have hit snags in practical implementation. An innovative workaround is the deployment of thermoelectric conversion, capable of capturing and utilizing waste heat and solar energy, yet this avenue is currently hampered by the limitations of available materials. Ionic Thermogalvanic Cells have emerged as a beacon of hope, thanks to their superior Seebeck coefficients, but their incorporation into MAVs necessitates materials of high thermoelectric efficacy and tailored compatibility. The TEnergy initiative is geared towards augmenting the thermoelectric capabilities of ionic thermoelectric materials and refining device architecture for optimized energy conversion.
The conceptualization of the double-layer thermoelectric-concentration battery marks a groundbreaking fusion of thermoelectric and battery technologies, promising elevated open-circuit voltage and conversion efficiency. The crux of the TEnergy research lies in its potential to engineer an ultra-compact, highly efficient passive power source for MAVs, harnessing waste and environmental thermal energies. Additionally, the TEnergy endeavor is set on achieving quantifiable milestones, including an open-circuit voltage surpassing 0.25 V for the fundamental unit, a consistent open-circuit voltage of 12 volts and an output power of 100 mW for the amalgamated system, alongside a thermoelectric conversion efficiency rating above 5%.
Supported by the MSCA Fellowships, I am committed to pursuing this ambitious research program and the TEnergy research is expected to drive advancements in thermoelectric technology, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient energy systems for MAVs.